September 1, 2009 | Research and Markets -  Since 2007, 3G networks worldwide have experienced substantial traffic growth, due to strong take-up of mobile broadband services and the initial migration of 2/2.5G users to 3G services. Operators have reported annual increases in 3G data traffic volumes of 300-700%.

While 3G traffic volume increases have been manageable so far because volumes have increased from very low levels, we forecast further large traffic volume increases, due to rapid migration of 2/2.5G users to 3G services, increasing proportions of smartphones and USB modems/ datacards and the introduction of HSPA+ and LTE.

For some 3G operators, today’s HSPA networks will not support 3G traffic volumes for long, and they have big decisions to make.

This report addresses one of the biggest concerns within the mobile industry, as to whether 3G networks will be able to cope with future 3G traffic volumes increases. The report gets to grips with this critical issue by quantifying how 3G network capacity and 3G traffic will evolve within the next five years.

read more